Nico Williams Transfer to Barcelona Hits a Major Snag Over Bold Ultimatum
Barcelona’s pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has taken an unexpected turn. Despite reaching a personal agreement with the 21-year-old star, the deal is now stalled after Nico issued a firm ultimatum: “Sell them, or I won’t join.”
According to sources close to the situation, Williams has demanded that Barcelona offload two current first-team players—though their names haven’t been revealed—before he agrees to sign. He reportedly feels he “cannot work with certain individuals,” hinting at either personal tension or a lack of football compatibility.
This twist comes as new manager Hansi Flick is actively reshaping the squad. Williams, known for his pace, aggression, and versatility, fits Flick’s high-intensity vision perfectly. But his condition introduces internal conflict at a crucial point in the rebuild.
While some within the club view Williams as a generational talent worth accommodating, others worry that giving in to a player’s demands before he’s even signed could set a troubling precedent and destabilize the locker room.
Rashford-level impact aside, Barcelona is also exploring a backup plan in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki. The €22 million-rated winger led Ligue 1 in successful dribbles and is open to a rotational role behind Yamal and Raphinha—making him a less disruptive, more affordable alternative.
Yet, the Nico deal remains on hold. Hansi Flick is reportedly sympathetic to the player’s desire for a fresh team dynamic, but he’s also aware of the risks involved in removing established squad members based on one player’s request—especially under financial constraints.
With Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea watching closely, time is of the essence. If Deco and Laporta don’t act decisively, Barcelona could miss out on one of Spain’s brightest prospects.
For now, the situation is tense. The deal with Nico Williams is agreed in principle, but unless Barcelona addresses his non-negotiable demand soon, the transfer may collapse—turning what seemed a done deal into one of the most controversial sagas of the summer.
